Chapter 51

Disbelief. Shock. Confusion. What felt like a thousand different emotions ran through her head as Annie tried to process what was happening. How can my own brother do this to me? she wondered, on the edge of tears. After Kelly's threats and Webster's manipulation, how could he turn on all of us this way?

The more she thought about Craig's betrayal, Annie found her anger rising. Her brother stood on the other side of the room joking and laughing with one of her most hated enemies and it was like a knife twisting in her gut.

Her blood boiling she wanted to scream. Only Michael's restraining hand on her arm holding her down on the couch beside him kept her from stalking over to where they stood. Looking up at the tall Texan beside her, Annie could see the warning in his deep green eyes as he put his arm around her shoulder comfortingly.

She expected to see pity, maybe even a little contempt in his face. However, Annie never anticipated the understanding and compassion she saw there. Turning her head quickly, she looked at the others as they sat, waiting.

Offering her an encouraging smile, Mrs. Kersting reach over and squeezed her hand reassuringly. Annie knew no matter what Mrs. Kersting wouldn't judge her by the actions of her brother. But I feel sorry for you brother dear if she ever gets her hands on you, Annie mused.

Charles sat with Danni on the fireplace hearth, his arm around her shoulders much like Michael had his arm around Annie. The younger woman hadn't moved or even acknowledged anyone's presence since Craig finally released her a little while ago. Craig had laughed when he pushed her forward, causing her to stumble into Charles, who brought her to sit with him away from the others.

Annie knew she wasn't the only one who was feeling the treachery by her brother. Danni had spoken many times of her feelings for Craig, which wasn't easy for her since losing her parents. Her heart must be breaking, Annie realized sadly.

Myles, Tara, and Amber occupied the other couch. While Amber was the only one of them not sitting, Myles cradled Tara in his arms, his hands gentle as he tried to soothe her.

Annie saw the petite blonde murmur something quietly to the tall agent and his eyes grow wide as Myles turned to look at the occupants on her couch. What? she wondered, glancing at Michael briefly. What's going on?

As Myles began making motions with his hands mouthing words to the others, he peeked at the two men across the room to make sure they were still occupied. Frowning, Annie watched his hands carefully, her eyes growing wide as she recalled where she'd seen him to those same motions before.

Oh, my God, he can't be serious, Annie thought, her eyes snapping to his face. Don't these FBI types know what a holster is for? she wondered, turning to see if Michael understood.

Seeing the confusion lining his face, Annie took his hand in hers. They'd already been warned about trying to talk to each other so she knew she couldn't risk saying something that might draw the two men's attention. Running her fingertip in his large palm, she spelled out three letters, G-U-N.

At his raised eyebrows, Annie looked down at the couch, then back up, and she saw realization cross over his face. As casually as possible, she dropped her hand between the seat cushion to the right of her while Michael checked to the left. The others watched in interest as Annie clutched his hand tightly, signaling she found it.

Now how do I get it to him? Annie wondered, considering she'd have to drag it across her to get it in his hands. Kelly and Craig will see it if I try to pass it, she worried biting her bottom lip nervously.

Annie saw Michael turn to Amber, an unspoken message passing between them across the room. Suddenly, he turned back to her, tugging her into his arms as one big hand pulled her head down to his shoulder. What is he doing? Annie thought, almost pushing away from him.

"There, there, sweetheart, don't cry," Michael cooed in her ear, loud enough that she knew it was for Craig and Kelly's benefit. His hands caressed up and down her back as if he was soothing her fragile emotions.

Annie wrapped her arms around his waist, turning her head into his neck as she faked the sobs that would be expected of her. Kind of getting used to being in his arms, she thought ruefull,y trying not to give into the tremors his fingers were causing through the material of her shirt.

"Good," Michael whispered in her ear, his voice husky as he leaned her backwards slightly towards the arm of the chair. "Stay down," he warned as his one hand left her back to reach between the cushions.

Frowning, Annie tried to figure out what was going on when she felt him nod. Before she could react, Michael had pulled her down across his lap, using his body to shield her as best he could as he lifted the gun to fire.

Surprised, Annie gasped almost missing Amber as the young agent tucked and rolled, picking up one of the guns discarded earlier. As gunfire erupted around them, the blonde cringed gripping the legs of the man who held her down and praying it would all be over soon.